At some point, car enthusiasts grow up and start having families. This usually forces them to let go of the two-door sports cars with the stiff suspension and start looking for a comfortable sedan. However, part of all car enthusiasts will always look for the sharp lines and performance touch when choosing their vehicles. Lexus has been able to produce vehicles that are reliable, luxurious, without lacking the performance aspect – the Lexus IS 500 is a great example of their commitment to performance. When it comes to grown-up vehicles, however, the ES makes the most sense. It’s spacious, luxurious, but it doesn’t lose the performance spirit like its bigger sister in the LS. With numerous variants, we wanted to see if the first-ever 2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport can strike the perfect balance, or if it’s only good at being luxurious.

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport

8.00 / 10
Key Features
  • High Output Electric Motor
  • F Sport Trim Level
  • Decent Starting MSRP
Specifications
  • Model: ES300h F Sport
  • Engine/Motor: .5-liter I4 + High-Output, Permanent Magnet Electric Drive Motor
  • Horsepower: 215 @5,700 RPM
  • Torque: 163 lb-ft @3,600 RPM
  • Drivetrain: FWD
  • Transmission: E-CVT
Pros
  • Good Acceleration Off The Line
  • Extremely Comfortable Interior
  • Smooth Suspension
  • Great Handling For Mid-Size Sedan
  • Great Fuel Consumption
  • Great Exterior Styling
  • F Sport Styling All Around
Cons
  • Underwhelming Braking Performance
  • Outdated Cabin

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport Specs

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport Engine
Photo by Bassem Girgis

The 2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport features a 2.5-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine. The engine comes with dual cam, four-valves per cylinder with continuously Variable Valve Timing technology. In addition to the internal combustion engine, the ES300h comes with a high-output, permanent magnet electric drive motor. The combination allows the 3,730-pound sedan to get 44 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The engine works collaboratively with an ultra-smooth electronic continuously variable transmission to send the power to the front-wheels. The 2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport delivers 215 horsepower. The power allows the luxury mid-size sedan to reach the 60mph from a stop in 8.1-seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. On paper, the Lexus ES300h F Sport may seem underwhelming, but we can assure you it’s very different on the road.

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport Exterior Design

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport Side
Photo by Kareem Girgis

While the F Sport usually adds more aggressive visuals to Lexus models, the ES retains its luxury with a slight push into a more athletic vibe. The long silhouette of the 2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport screams luxury sedan, while the sharp headlights, extra-large grille, and pointy hood make an aggressive statement of their own. The ES sits on four 19-inch wheels, wrapped in 235/40R19 Michelin Primacy MXM4 all-season tires. Moving towards the rear of the vehicle, the taillights add a tremendously classy feel, while a small decklid spoiler sprinkle a sportier vibe. Overall, the exterior is a combination of luxury, classy, and sportiness. In the end, the ES300h F Sport will always lean towards comfort over performance.

Related: 2022 Lexus LC500 Vs 2022 Jaguar F-Type: Tough Choice, But Somebody Has To Make It

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport Interior

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport Dashboard
Photo by Bassem Girgis

There is nothing like getting inside a Lexus and feeling the plush seats. I’ve always compared Lexus seats to living room furniture in regards to cushions and comfort. They may not hold you as aggressively as rougher seats, but no one really needs holding in an ES. The cabin of the ES300h F Sport is smooth, comfortable, and feels like a nice second-home to have, with tons of upgrades. The giant 12.3-inch touchscreen sits in the right place with easy access (4-inches closer to the driver) and has a more driver-centric feel as it angles towards the driver. While you can smudge it up using your fingers to access what’s within, you can also use Lexus’ touchpad. We don’t believe anyone supports or likes the touchpad, and it may be time to get rid of it all together.

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport Driving Modes Knob
Photo by Bassem Girgis

Our loner car’s interior came in black and white. The white gets dirty very easily, but it gives the cabin a rather spacious feel. Given how easy it is to clean it, we would definitely recommend it. While the cabin feels refined, it continues to feel outdated. Lexus does everything right, but they’re often stuck in time as German competitors continue to evolve. With that in mind, the ES300h F Sport’s cabin is confident and perhaps believes it doesn’t need to change. It won’t leave you needing more, but it won’t blow your mind either.

Related: Reasons Why Lexus Should Bring Back The LFA

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport First Drive

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport Rear Exterior
Photo by Kareem Girgis

The luxurious feel of the design and cabin translate perfectly behind the wheel of the ES300h F Sport. The ride is extremely smooth, with suspension perfectly capable of absorbing most road imperfections. While on paper the 2022 Lexus ES300h may seem slow, the assistance from the electric motor allows it to get off the line rather quickly. It won’t melt your face off, but it won’t frustrate you either. It’s safe to say the ES300h is not a performance car, instead, it’s an athletic mid-size luxury sedan.

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport Front Exterior
Photo by Kareem Girgis

For such a large sedan, the ES300h is surprisingly nimble. The steering feels well-balanced, which works extremely well with the smooth acceleration of the 4-cylinder hybrid and the electronic CVT. Despite its weight, there is minimal body roll during cornering. If you start pushing it harder, however, you will start getting some flex here and there. Braking feels adequate. The brake system stops the car as intended, but it lacks that aggressive bite. Another reminder that this is a luxury sedan, so do not mistake it for a performance vehicle. If you're looking for more performance, you should consider the Lexus IS.

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport Steering Wheel
Photo by Bassem Girgis

Smooth and comfortable is where the 2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport lives. While our test drive of the 2022 RX 450h showed a noticeable rough transition between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine kicking on, the ES300h does it seamlessly. The suspension offers a great balance. It completely absorbs anything on the road, yet it improves the handling when compared to previous ES models. The best part about the 2022 ES300h is driving such a large sedan while getting 40 mpg. Overall, the Lexus ES300h F Sport is as comfortable as can be. The front and rear seats have plenty of room, and more comfort than German competitors. It’s truly a pleasure to drive as a daily-driver. It does everything so smoothly and seamlessly, while giving you amazing fuel consumption for the size.

Related: Supercar Icons: Ferrari Enzo Vs Lexus LFA

The Bottom Line

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport Rear
Photo by Kareem Girgis

The competition is tough when you’re looking at the Lexus ES300h F Sport and the mid-size sedan segment. We believe the Lexus does many things better than German competitors, starting with its reliability reputation, comfort, and safety. However, it feels like the 2022 ES is stuck in a different time. We love the analog clock and the classic touches, but it may be time to evolve, especially on the interior side. The German competition has been getting smoother and sleeker with their interior design, but Lexus feels the same. While it’s not a bad design to begin with, it feels like a downgrade from some competitors.

Related: BMW Vs Lexus: Who Builds The Better Luxury Sports Car?

The interior feels outdated, but the exterior is timeless. It’s smooth, it’s hip, and it’s aggressively-luxurious. We would put up the ES300h F Sport against any competitor knowing it will steal the show. For a $46,525 MSRP, the ES300h brings a lot of features to the table. This is a car that will give you the most up-to-date safety features, while keeping you as comfortable as you can ever imagine – all while getting 40mpg. If you’re looking for a great mid-size luxury sedan, the 2022 ES300h F Sport will not disappoint.